Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has reportedly been sacked by Al-Ettifaq, according to media reports from Saudi Arabia. The 44-year-old has allegedly been dismissed by the Pro League side following their shocking Saudi King’s Cup exit after being defeated by a second-division team.
Ettifaq’s recent 3-1 loss to Al-Jabalain in the last-16 of the competition has pushed Gerrard to a new low. The team’s poor performance has mounted pressure on the Liverpool legend, as they currently sit 10th in the Pro League and have gone five games without a win since September 14.
Gerrard, who is just 16 months into his £15.2m-a-year contract with Al-Ettifaq, led the club to a sixth-place finish in his debut season in the Middle East. He was one of many big names to join the Saudi football movement last year, but his tenure has come to an abrupt end with his reported sacking.
While Ettifaq has yet to officially confirm Gerrard’s dismissal, the news has sent shockwaves through the football world. In the midst of this development, former Rangers forward Kris Boyd expressed his frustration with his former club’s performance in their recent 2-1 loss to Aberdeen. Boyd criticized Rangers for lacking the work rate and style of play that Aberdeen demonstrated in their victory.
Following the loss, Philippe Clement’s side now sits nine points behind Aberdeen and Celtic, both of whom are tied at 28 points each. Boyd’s scathing comments reflect the disappointment felt by Rangers fans and pundits alike, as the team struggles to find its footing in the league.
The sudden turn of events in Steven Gerrard’s coaching career highlights the unpredictable nature of football management. As Al-Ettifaq navigates this managerial change, the team will have to regroup and refocus in order to salvage their season and strive for better results in the Pro League. Gerrard’s departure serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by coaches in the ever-evolving world of professional football.
